He was born on October 17, 1940 to Denver and Rubye Kelley in Webster County.

He graduated from Providence High School and served in the US Army Airborne Rangers during the Cuban missile crisis. He and Jeannie Guinn were married in Providence on Sept. 15, 1963.

Jerry worked as a UMWA coal miner for 28 years and owned J. Kelley & Associates Real Estate and Appraisal for 30 years. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Providence and a life member of the VFW in Providence. Jerry also served as park commissioner and zoning board member for the city of Providence for several years.

Survivors include his wife Jeanne of Providence, a son and daughter in law Jeffrey D. and Samantha Kelley of Dixon, grandson Jordan Kelley and granddaughter Delaney Kelley and a sister Katherine Vaughn also of Providence.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4 at 1 PM at Jones & Erdman in Providence. Interment will be in White Oak Cemetery.

Visitation is on Wednesday from 11 AM to service time at the funeral home.